High Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Welcome to our fun guide on idioms that use the word “high”! Idioms are like secret codes that adults use when they talk. Here, you’ll learn what they mean and see how to use them. Even if you’re just starting to learn big words, you’ll catch on quickly!

High Idioms

Here are 20 high idioms in English.

1. High as a kite

   Meaning: Very excited or happy
   Example: She was high as a kite after hearing the good news.

2. High and dry

   Meaning: Left without help
   Example: He was left high and dry without a car.

3. High time

   Meaning: The right moment to do something
   Example: It’s high time we cleaned this room.

4. On a high note

   Meaning: End something positively
   Example: She ended the performance on a high note.

5. High roller

   Meaning: Someone who spends a lot
   Example: He’s known as a high roller in Vegas.

6. High seas

   Meaning: Open, international waters
   Example: They sailed the high seas for months.

7. High and mighty

   Meaning: Acting superior
   Example: He acts all high and mighty at work.

8. High gear

   Meaning: Working at full capacity
   Example: Let’s kick this project into high gear.

9. High stakes

   Meaning: Involving serious risks
   Example: This is a high stakes poker game.

10. High spirits

    Meaning: In a very cheerful mood
    Example: They were in high spirits at the party.

11. High-handed

    Meaning: Using power unfairly
    Example: His high-handed approach upset many.

12. High-flying

    Meaning: Very ambitious
    Example: She has high-flying career goals.

13. High on the hog

    Meaning: Living luxuriously
    Example: They’ve been living high on the hog.

14. High jinks

    Meaning: Playful, rowdy behavior
    Example: The kids were up to high jinks at camp.

15. Hit the high spots

    Meaning: Focus on the best parts
    Example: His tour hit all the high spots.

16. On a high

    Meaning: Feeling euphoric
    Example: She’s been on a high since Friday.

17. High-octane

    Meaning: Very powerful or energetic
    Example: This was a high-octane thriller movie.

18. In high gear

    Meaning: Operating at full strength
    Example: Production is in high gear now.

19. Ride high

    Meaning: To be very successful
    Example: He’s riding high after his promotion.

20. High-profile

    Meaning: Very noticeable or famous
    Example: It was a high-profile event.